Beneath Southern Stars - Andrea Johnston

If only she'd known that falling in love would have changed her life in such a turbulent and unexpected way . . .
It is 1799 and six ships make ready to sail from the southern English town of Portsmouth to the newly founded penal colony of New South Wales. Aboard His Majesty's ship, Osprey is Marine, John Radford. At the age of eighteen, John an accomplished artist, is broken-hearted at having been rejected by his intended when she learns of his new posting.
Also, on the ship is Sarah Lock, a seventeen-year-old, who having been falsely convicted of prostitution, is to be transported. Her only crime had been a friendship with her landlord's youngest son, Peter. He, in turn, is forced to join the navy to prevent him from searching Sarah out.
Unbeknown to all concerned, due to a series of cruel twists of fate, all their lives will be turned upside down . . .
PUBLISHER NOTE: Historical Romance. 89,000 words.